Jin Soo Kim Academically Ineligible

Freshman forward Jin Soo Kim has been declared academically ineligible indefinitely, according to a source familiar with the situation. The source also said Maryland is appealing the decision to the NCAA. Kim will be able to practice with the team during the appeal process. He will not be able to compete in games. The school released a statement confirming the decision.

The statement declared that the university will not release any specific details regarding Kim's academic status in compliance with the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act. Kim is enrolled in a university program available to students for whom English is a second language, according to the statement.

After initially being denied his eligibility for the 2008-09 season, Kim was declared eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse on Nov. 3 after receiving more documentation from Maryland regarding online correspondence courses Kim took during the fourth quarter of his final year at South Kent School in Connecticut.

Kim, a 6-foot-7 small forward, was expected to provide a long-range shooting presence for the Terps this season. He has played in 15 games this season, averaging 6.8 minutes, 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per appearance. He was shooting 29.0 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from three-point range.

I highly doubt this has anything to do with his grades but more to do with the nature of the courses he took. South Kent School is a private school that is filled with druggies. We used to play them all the time when I was in high school.

Ultimately, it is the students responsibility to actually do the work. However, with all of the resources and help the athletes get there is no excuse. Not to pile on but one more reason to consider the GW situation. Maybe Yow can latch on to the Obama theme "change". How about some change in football and basketball?